ADD ANI AS A TRUSTED SOURCE
googleads
ANI Logo
Menu
Asia

Young doctors stage strike in Gilgit Baltistan over retirement age increase

The main bone of contention is the government's decision to increase the retirement age for doctors to 65, a move the protesting doctors deem draconian and unjust.

ANI Oct 07, 2023 21:35 IST googleads

Representative Image

Gilgit Baltistan (PoK), October 7 (ANI): Doctors in the illegally occupied region of Gilgit Baltistan on Saturday launched a strike, primarily led by young doctors, in protest of the government's failure to address their grievances.
The main bone of contention is the government's decision to increase the retirement age for doctors to 65, a move the protesting doctors deem draconian and unjust.
The strike, affecting both outpatient departments (OPDs) and private clinics, aims to press for a resolution and protect junior doctors' career prospects.
Dr Nasreemullah, President of the Young Doctors Association in Diamer, expressed his discontent, saying, "The assembly is there to make laws and not there to arbitrarily push draconian laws. No civil department anywhere has such a provision where a 65-year-old is allowed to serve in a government department, but, in order to profit a few, this unjust law has been brought. If something of this nature happens then resistance from people will come."
The doctors' protest began approximately one and a half months ago, including a two-day token strike, prompting the government to establish a committee to address their concerns.

However, despite clear directives, the Chief Secretary of Gilgit Baltistan has openly defied the Chief Minister and the cabinet's orders, exacerbating tensions.
"While the Chief Minister is the real authority in the region, the Chief Secretary is openly defying his orders and is hell-bent on inducting retired doctors once again. So, we have decided to launch a widespread strike. Everything from OPDs to private clinics will remain shut," stated one of the protesting doctors.

The doctors argue that this decision will hinder the promotions of junior medical professionals and claim that no other civil department in the region or any other province in Pakistan enforces such a rule.
They contend that it should not be implemented in Gilgit Baltistan, which has long struggled for equal rights and recognition as a province.
Gilgit Baltistan has been under Pakistan's control for over seven decades. The ongoing doctors' strike is the latest manifestation of the region's resistance to perceived injustices.
The government has yet to provide a concrete solution to the doctors' demands, leaving the healthcare system in the region in a state of uncertainty as the strike persists.
As the standoff continues, the people of Gilgit Baltistan continue their struggle for equal rights and equal representation. (ANI)

Get the App

What to Read Next

Europe

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan target religious minorities: GHRD

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan target religious minorities: GHRD

At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the organisation Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) raised concerns over the continued misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and their impact on religious minorities.

Read More
Europe

Growing empowerment of women reflects changing social landscape

Growing empowerment of women reflects changing social landscape

In her statement, Bhat said new pathways to empowerment are emerging across the Union Territory, supported by government initiatives and community participation.

Read More
Asia

MEA rejects Pakistan’s statement on India-Canada deal

MEA rejects Pakistan’s statement on India-Canada deal

"We reject this statement made by Pakistan on the matter. India's credentials regarding non-proliferation are impeccable and well recognised by the global community. A country with a well-documented history of clandestine nuclear proliferation can hardly preach the virtues of export controls and proliferation risks. Such ludicrous statements are nothing more than an attempt by Pakistan to distract from its own abysmal record," he said.

Read More
Asia

India rejects Pakistan's "baseless allegations"

India rejects Pakistan's

India on Thursday rejected Pakistan's allegations of aggravating skirmishes with Afghanistan, calling them "baseless" and accusing Pakistan of blaming others for its own misdeeds.

Read More
Asia

Policy delays leave Pakistan short of critical medicines

Policy delays leave Pakistan short of critical medicines

Pakistan faces a severe shortage of life-saving medicines, including cancer drugs and vaccines, due to government delays in notifying official prices. While global supply remains stable, regulatory hurdles have stalled legal imports, raising concerns over patient survival and the potential rise of unregulated, counterfeit medicines.

Read More
Europe

"Act of terrorism": Russia slams Mediterranean drone attack

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned a drone strike on the commercial vessel Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean. Calling it "a terrorist attack & a war crime," she detailed the crew's rescue after a gas explosion, criticised Malta's refusal to assist the injured, and denounced the European silence.

Read More
Asia

Pakistan’s outdated mandi system stifles agricultural innovation

Pakistan’s outdated mandi system stifles agricultural innovation

Pakistan's fruit and vegetable supply remains dominated by traditional middlemen and the "mandi" system, with digital platforms handling only 2-3% of trade. Restrictive provincial laws and lack of infrastructure force farmers into dependency on commission agents, stalling modern technological transformation in the agricultural sector.

Read More
Asia

Hardships grow as Pakistan tightens its grip in Balochistan 

Hardships grow as Pakistan tightens its grip in Balochistan 

Residents in Balochistan's Zehri and Surab regions are facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to a four-day curfew and military operations. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee reported acute food shortages, blocked healthcare access, and alleged house raids by security forces, urging international bodies to investigate these fundamental rights violations.

Read More
Asia

Tibetan Women’s Association organises protest against China

Tibetan Women’s Association organises protest against China

It's an event to remember the day when Tibetan women from all three provinces of Tibet, for the first time in the history of Tibet, stood together and raised their voice against the brutal Chinese military forces that were occupying Tibet in 1959.

Read More
Asia

"Incident highlights evolving security challenges": DGS

An Indian crew member was killed after the US-owned tanker Safesea Vishnu was attacked by an explosive-laden speedboat near Basra, Iraq. India confirmed that 15 other Indian sailors were successfully evacuated and are receiving diplomatic assistance as regional maritime security challenges continue to escalate.

Read More
Home About Us Our Products Advertise Contact Us Terms & Condition Privacy Policy

Copyright © aninews.in | All Rights Reserved.